G-7 Meeting to Agree to Develop Guidelines that Prevent Leaks on Quantum Technologies & AI Research with Military Applications

(AsiaNikkei) The Nikkei reports that the Group of Seven nations agreed to create guidelines to prevent leaks of sensitive research data when leaders met, looking to protect joint projects amid growing concerns about the risk of theft by China. Given concerns about interfering in free and independent research, the guidelines will only target projects on AI, quantum technologies and other areas that have military applications.
A working group will be formed this year to hammer out the details, including the areas to be covered and specific steps to take. The measures may be limited to advanced technologies with potential military applications, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
One proposal calls for creating a shared list with the names and nationalities of researchers at businesses, universities and research groups, as well as information about any foreign funding these entities receive. The G-7 also will discuss the need for individual members to expand legal protections such as patent frameworks.
The U.S. has a security clearance system that restricts who can work on sensitive research, helping to protect against leaks of commercial technology that could be used for military purposes. Japan has no such system, and concerns have been raised in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party about the possibility of foreign students or researchers sending technology abroad.